On the Astros: Team's pursuit of Abreu sign of improving times

Cuba's first baseman Jose Abreu celebrates after he hits a grand slam in the fifth inning of their World Baseball Classic first round game against China in Fukuoka, Japan, Monday, March 4, 2013. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

Cuba's first baseman Jose Abreu celebrates after he hits a grand...

While Astros owner Jim Crane spent part of the week shaking hands with citizens of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., in hopes of securing a new spring training facility, general manager Jeff Luhnow was attempting to acquire slugging Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu.

In Houston, scouting director Mike Elias was preparing for this weekend's Florida Diamond Club Showcase in Lakeland, Fla.

After setting a franchise record for losses three years running, the Astros are trying to upgrade the organization from top to bottom. Their decision to court Abreu, who agreed to a six-year, $68 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, was a good sign for fans who are tired of watching their club lose.

The Astros need to acquire a run producer this winter, and another Carlos Pena-type of player isn't going to inspire confidence. Crane is adamant his team will "plug some holes."

He's not promising to plug all the holes, but it's a positive sign that he acknowledges the Astros have holes, as in plural.

By all accounts, Luhnow and Elias have done a masterful job with the draft. Combined with the prospects they acquired and the ones chosen by Ed Wade and Bobby Heck through previous trades or drafts, Luhnow has built one of the top farm systems in baseball.

Luhnow arrived in Houston almost two years ago committed to fix the farm system, and he has accomplished that goal. Now, it's time to fix the major league club.

"We want to significantly improve the team at the big league level," Luhnow said. "We feel the farm system is in a really good spot.

"We really want to move the needle at the big league level. Part of that will happen with our younger players getting better. We have to be smart on how we allocate playing time so we can continue to develop players but win as many games as possible."

The Astros lost a franchise-record 111 games and finished with a 15-game losing streak to set the modern-day record for most consecutive losses to end a season. Ultimately, the team suffered while having the lowest payroll in baseball in 2013.

Nonetheless, they took full advantage of the $11.7 million pool they could spend on the 2013 draft, signing top overall pick Mark Appel for a franchise record amateur bonus of $6.35 million.

Although Crane and Luhnow were willing to negotiate with agent Scott Boras for Appel, the hard-throwing righthander from Stanford, many baseball insiders were stunned to see the Astros as a finalist for Abreu. The Astros are believed to have offered at least $55 million for Abreu.

"There are going to be investment opportunities in the free-agent market," Luhnow said. "There's going to be trade opportunities. At this point we don't feel there are any constraints.

Players in free agency

"We're going to operate as if we have the resources we need to improve the team. It's not about a certain number for us. It's about a case-by-case basis and (asking): 'If a player is available, how does he fit in? What's the cost? Who is involved?' We'll evaluate each player we have interest in. We're not going to get them all, but we're going to get our fair share."

Moreover, the Astros' winter shopping list is no secret. Luhnow will try to fix the bullpen, even if that takes bringing in as many as three relievers from the outside.

"Our priority is to shore up the bullpen," said Luhnow, who is confident Josh Zeid, Kevin Chapman and Josh Fields are quality young bullpen arms in place.

Luhnow also will be in the market for a veteran starting pitcher and a quality bat to complement Matt Dominguez, Jose Altuve, Jason Castro and Chris Carter.

Abreu fit that description, although a quality outfield bat also can fit that requirement and help a club that is likely to get a boost from promising outfielder George Springer.

Whatever the case, Crane will give Luhnow some money to play with after finally fixing a farm system that had been neglected under Drayton McLane.